October is the month when Rotarians worldwide celebrate the critical focus on Community Economic Development (CED). This celebration might not have the fanfare of other areas of focus like disease prevention, providing clean water, or protecting the environment, but its impact resonates deeply across all these areas.
Community Economic Development may not save lives directly or bring immediate tangible benefits like water or education. However, it is the foundation that sustains all these impactful efforts. When you think about it, CED is the backbone of all the projects Rotary undertakes. By addressing the root cause of poverty—lack of economic opportunities—CED lays the groundwork for sustainable change. This makes it possibly the most critical work we do as Rotarians.
Why CED is Core to Rotary’s Mission
Economic Development and Rotary Clubs: Most Rotary clubs are geographically based, which means that the prosperity of the town or city where they operate directly affects the club’s success. As Paul Harris envisioned, Rotary is about helping our communities thrive. CED offers a way for clubs to actively participate in the economic vitality of their regions. Through RAGCED, clubs can find resources and guidance to foster local economic growth.
Job Creation as a Poverty Alleviator: The most effective way to fight poverty is through job creation. Good jobs provide individuals the means to lift themselves out of poverty, lessening their dependence on charity. Vocational training programs, like those championed by RAGCED, equip individuals with the skills they need to secure meaningful employment. Our involvement in initiatives like the Rotary Fellowship for IT Professionals underscores the importance of equipping people, especially the youth, with skills that align with market demands.
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: Sustainability is at the heart of all Rotary projects, and this is especially true for CED efforts. Whether it's a local business or a non-governmental organization, sustainability is crucial. A project or business that cannot support itself beyond its initial funding is destined to fail. RAGCED provides Rotarians with the tools to ensure that their projects remain viable and impactful long after the initial Rotary support has been exhausted.
Sustainability in NGOs: Non-profits, much like businesses, must also find sustainable funding models. CED offers pathways for these organizations to develop long-term financial stability, ensuring that the good work they do in education, health, and other areas can continue without relying indefinitely on outside funding.
Real Excitement through Real Impact
While the work of community economic development may not be as visually dramatic as some other areas of focus, its impact is no less inspiring. By creating sustainable economies, we help ensure that projects in areas like education, health, and environmental sustainability have the strong, financially viable organizations they need to thrive.
I invite you all to join us in celebrating Community Economic Development this October. Through RAGCED, we have the power to transform our communities, providing the economic foundation that supports Rotary’s work across all areas of focus. Let’s use this month to advance CED and, in doing so, drive lasting positive change.
Together, we can build sustainable communities and empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential.
To learn more about how you can get involved, visit ragced.org.